WOODCUTTERS is NOT a Band. That statement is the starting point of what has become a 5 year private musical journey for James Grim.

James Grim fronted Brothers Grim and the Blue Murders – and lived to tell the tale. Just.

Over 11 years, Melbourne’s premier exponents of malevolent, punked-up blues/rockabilly, Brothers Grim and the Blue Murders, earned a reputation for their relentless touring and explosive live shows – and for playing as hard offstage as they did on it.

After literally working themselves into the ground, in 2016 the band’s firebrand frontman, James Grim, decided enough was enough. He pulled the pin on the band – and the lifestyle – that was killing him.

Now band-less and sober, Grim resolved he’d never play in a band again, but return to music for music’s sake. He took his hard-earned life lessons and experiences to his friend, award-winning country music songwriter Dan Waters, and began crafting new songs, cut from his signature raw lyrical honesty. 

What emerged from those sessions became the template for a suite of dark country ballads that explored the awkward moments that lie within, and between, flawed humans. Grim explored these themes further with other songwriters he loves and respects, including Jamie Messenger and Frank Sultana. 

This collection of songs continued – and continues – to grow, as Grim further deepens his authenticity and songwriting prowess with each new song.

This collection of songs is Woodcutters. 

“Woodcutters is not a band”. That statement, says Grim, became the starting point of this new musical journey. One that “set out to be the antithesis of Brothers Grim”.

For the most part, the Woodcutters collection has remained largely unheard. Infamous live shows are rare, but when they do occur, showcase a rotating cast of wonderful musicians, with no two shows the same. 

Photography Suzan Dlouhy (SZN)

Videography by Lee Gingold